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What is FNP?

How Can I Participate?

More Helpful Information for You

Nutrition News

The USDA Dietary Guidelines

Steps to a Healthier You

Links to Helpful Web Sites

FCS Home Page

Ohio State University Extension's Family Nutrition Program (FNP) is funded by Midwest Region Food and Nutrition Service, United States Department of Agriculture. The Family Nutrition Program is sometimes referred to as the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program. FNP is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services and Ohio State University Extension in an effort to improve the nutrition of families and individuals who are food stamp program participants or eligible nonparticipants. Programs are administered at the county level. Teaching objectives include good nutrition, food safety and thrifty food shopping. An overriding objective of the program is to promote and support food security.

How Can I Participate in the Family Nutrition Program?

You may contact the Extension Office at 419-422-3851 for a listing of programs and classes being offered in Hancock County. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. All programs are offered to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. 

The Family Nutrition Program (FNP) centers its teaching upon research-based information, such as the USDA's Dietary Guidelines and land-grant university research, including The Ohio State University and its Ohio State University Extension.  The FNP disseminates educational information primarily through small class settings, but also through displays, the media and distribution of newsletters and fact sheets.

Nutrition News

Click here for the "Nutrition News", the FNP Monthly Newsletter. These are available in both Acrobat Reader files and readable directly online. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, please download and install this free program from the Adobe Reader website.

The USDA Dietary Guidelines

Dietary Guidelines for Americans is published jointly every 5 years by the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Guidelines provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.

Go to www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines for more information. Please note the consumer brochure Finding Your Way to a Healthier You:Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (PDF 229 KB)

Steps to a Healthier You (America's New Food Guidance System)

In April 2005, a new food guidance system was announced, replacing the pyramid formerly announced in 1992. The new system, noted as "Steps to a Healthier You," is based on the theme that "one size doesn't fit all."

Based on your AGE, SEX & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, your personalized pyramid can be printed at www.mypyramid.gov

This new system is designed to help you to:

• make smart choices from each food group;
• be physically active;
• find your balance between food and physical activity; and
• get the most nutrition out of your calories.

For more information, go to www.mypyramid.gov

Links to Helpful Web Sites

• Food and Nutrition Information Center
• Family and Consumer Sciences - Ohio State University Extension
• Food and Drug Administration Home Page
• Nutrient Data Laboratory Food Composition Data
• Welcome to The American Dietetic Association on the Net!
• Ohioline - OSU Information
• Healthfinder - consumer health information
• Parenting the Preschooler Newsletter
• National Family Resiliency Center
• National Safety Council

Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring
that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a
nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status. 
This statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA.